100 people killed on our roads so far this year

Sam Waide, chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority, said: 'As we reflect on this figure (of 100 deaths), it is imperative that we collectively double down on our efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate road trauma.'

Road users have been urgently urged to double down on their efforts to drive safely as the death toll from crashes in 2024 already hit 100.

The grim milestone, which is 13 more than the total for the same period in 2023, was reached after a female driver in her 70s was killed in a crash involving her car and a truck on the N25 near Dungarvan, Co Waterford yesterday morning. The truck driver suffered non-life threatening injuries.

There have already been six fatalities on the roads so far in July.

Late last month, two teenagers lost their lives after the e-scooter they were travelling on was involved in a crash with a bus in Waterford city.

While road safety ministers past and present sought to emphasise the efforts that have been made to stem the loss of life, current incumbent James Lawless admitted "much more still needs to be done" and said he would introduce legislation if necessary following an independent review of the Road Safety Authority due to land on his desk later this summer.

“Every life lost on the roads is a tragedy," he said, adding the Government had already made significant progress with the new road traffic act passing into law in April, new regulations introduced in May and an increased focus on enforcement from An Garda Síochána.

“The second quarter of the year did see a reduction in fatalities which did mirror the introduction of the above measures,” Mr Lawless said.

“Much more still needs to be done and I believe a common sense, 'back to basics' approach with education, engineering and enforcement is key. Driver behaviours need to be challenged both by education and sanction.” 

Mr Lawless only took up his role in the Department of Transport when Jack Chambers was moved to the Finance ministry.

His predecessor admitted the lost of 100 lives on the roads already in 2024, is "a shocking continuation of the trend that we saw last year".

However, he also said road safety legislation passed earlier this year will make a "really important impact" when various sections are implemented later in the year.

Sam Waide, chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority, said: “As we reflect on this figure (of 100 deaths), it is imperative that we collectively double down on our efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate road trauma. 

"We encourage all road users to prioritise their safety every time they travel. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.”